I know this will sound strange to you MS-67 collectors out there, but sometimes coins are just too nice for me. Sure, I want to own a nice looking coin as much as the next guy, but then again it doesn't bother me at all when a coin is circulated as long as it isn't heavily damaged, and the nice coins are just too expensive. Here's the latest example. I'm trying to complete a set of Brazilian reis coins from a certain time period, and I only need a few more. The rarest is the 1935 500 reis, with a mintage of 14,000. They very rarely come up for sale, and this one came up for sale today. http://www.ebay.com/itm/38061118203...M2U=&rt=nc&_trksid=p4340.l2557&orig_cvip=true As you can see, it sold for more than $100, probably because it's in superb condition. But honestly I would have bought it if it had been sitting in the street and gotten run over a few times, and would have paid far less for it. If I'm looking for a rare coin, I'd much rather get a well-circulated example because that's the only way it will ever fit my budget. Incidentally I bid $55, and that would be the most I'd ever paid for a single coin. It was barely half the sale price though.
These are exactly my thoughts regarding coins for my collection. I prefer coins intended for circulation and that were in some circulation. My top limit would also be in the $55 area in about 99% cases, unless I am buying already knowing I could sell it for a profit.
I agree..... when I tell people that my ASE set is all graded MS-68 not 69 or 70's they are like are you an underachiever? I just smile and just say no..... as to me I don't need perfect and I do hate having a coin graded by a TPG anyways. Yes my ASE's are graded and yes I do own other coins graded that range all over the map. It just I remember a day when collecting was fun ...you sat at a show or club and did your horse trading both going over the coin that was being sold/ traded and it was part of the hobby. I have seen alot in my years collecting coins going both up and down in value. It really drives me nuts when I see a coin that's lets say $100.00 in MS-68 and goes up to $600.00 in a grade or two. Yes I understand population and numbers don't lie. But one ask them selves an 1810 bust half dollar is just as classy in an VF the same coin in AU or better....I look at older coins in my hand and sometimes just wonder where they have been....whom has owned them did they buy a horse ,a night lodging or a few rounds of whisky at a saloon? Old holed ones really tweak my mind as sailors often drilled them to wear around their necks ...so their ship mate would not steal them or if the ship went down at least if they survived they still have their lifes saving. I sometimes just think of it this way even the ugliest Mutt in the pound has value....and have rescued some great dogs! Paddy
Paddy, you're a lot more ambitious than I am. I'll probably never own a graded coin. The only reason I'd ever buy one is to ensure authenticity with a heavily faked coin like a 1916 D Mercury dime. Of course I couldn't afford that anyway. Generally I'll gladly take a well circulated coin because it looks its age and that's what interests me about buying old pieces of metal with dates on them in the first place.
I must say I am somewhat but mostly bricks and mortar...as there is nothing like holding a real coin in hand as opposed to a piece of plastic. Like I said the history of a coin must be so unreal.... as to where it's been etc.... But will say if you drop a slab in the subway toilet ya can crack it out .... :devil:
